Hyperthermia in Oncology

Introduction

Hyperthermia in oncology refers to the deliberate heating of part of, or the entire body, to treat cancer. This method has been used in conjunction with other cancer treatments such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy to enhance their effectiveness. Hyperthermia treatment involves raising the temperature of the tumor to 40–45°C (104–113°F), which can cause cancer cells to die or become more susceptible to radiation and certain chemotherapy drugs.

History

The use of heat in treating disease has been recognized for centuries. The ancient Greeks, Egyptians, and Romans used heat to treat various ailments, including tumors. In the 20th century, with the advent of modern technology, the concept of hyperthermia in oncology was revisited and developed into a viable treatment option.

Mechanism of Action

Hyperthermia works by exploiting the vulnerability of cancer cells to heat. Normal cells can withstand higher temperatures, but cancer cells are more sensitive to heat and may be weakened or die off at high temperatures. The heat also increases blood flow to the tumor, which can help chemotherapy drugs reach the cancer cells. Additionally, heat may make cancer cells more sensitive to radiation.

Types of Hyperthermia

There are several types of hyperthermia, including local, regional, and whole body hyperthermia.

Local Hyperthermia

In local hyperthermia, heat is applied to a small area, such as a tumor, using various techniques such as microwave, radiofrequency, and ultrasound.

Regional Hyperthermia

In regional hyperthermia, larger areas of the body, such as an entire organ or limb, are heated. This can be done externally with heat applicators placed around the region, or internally using techniques such as intraluminal or interstitial hyperthermia.

Whole Body Hyperthermia

Whole body hyperthermia is used when cancer has spread throughout the body. This can be achieved using several methods, including thermal chambers (similar to large incubators) or heated blankets.

Clinical Applications

Hyperthermia is used to treat many types of cancer, including melanoma, sarcoma, and cancers of the breast, bladder, rectum, liver, lung, esophagus, cervix, and peritoneal lining (mesothelioma). It is often used in conjunction with other treatments, such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy, to enhance their effectiveness.

Efficacy and Side Effects

While hyperthermia has been shown to be effective in treating some cancers, it is not without side effects. These can include discomfort or pain, skin burns, and damage to normal tissues or organs near the treatment area. More research is needed to determine the long-term efficacy and safety of hyperthermia in oncology.

Future Directions

As our understanding of the biological effects of heat on cancer cells continues to grow, so too does the potential for hyperthermia to play a larger role in cancer treatment. Future research will focus on improving heat delivery techniques, integrating hyperthermia with other treatments, and identifying which patients are most likely to benefit from this approach.